Disclaimer: The following was transcribed from an article in the Capper Foundation Archives. The choice of words used at the time this was written may not reflect current Capper Foundation inclusive language and views.

Ron (1991)

A Topeka athlete won a bronze medal in international competition in Portugal.

Ron Michaelis , a Capper Foundation student, was a member of a three-person team that represented the United States at the Boccia World Championships Oct. 15-20.

Michaelis and his teammates used assistive devices to play boccia, an Italian game similar to lawn bowling. Boccia is a popular competitive sport among people with disabilities because it challenges players with a variety of functional limitations.

Cathy Shea, recreation director at the Capper Foundation, served as team manager and head coach for the eight-member U.S. team, which included two other Capper students, Jason McMillen of Topeka and Jenni Koebel  of Kansas City, Kan.

Michaelis played on a team that used assistive devices to aim the ball. Those players enjoyed a little more success in Portugal than the ones who competed in classes for free-throwing players.

Shea said,  “We got to see the American flag raised when they when they presented the bronze medal to the team. It was very touching.”

The bronze medal Michaelis won will be displayed tonight at a fundraising dance at the foundation.

Activities, which include a puppet show, face-painting, games and food, begin at 6 p.m. The dance, featuring the band High Life will start at 7:30 p.m.

Proceeds of tonight’s event will help defray the costs of sending the U.S. team to Portugal.